Innovation Voucher Programme (EDII-TN) — KiC-START as knowledge partner

This is the route on the centre's site written most clearly for applicants from outside the campus. The Innovation Voucher Programme is a Government of Tamil Nadu scheme run through EDII-TN, and KiC-START says it acts as an authorised knowledge partner, helping applicants validate the idea, build a prototype and reach the state grant. Two voucher types exist, one for idea validation, market research and feasibility work, and one for prototyping, product testing and commercialisation, each with a share the applicant has to put in.

What you get

• Help shaping the proposal and the prototype plan
• Technical screening and feedback from the centre's experts
• Submission of the final proposal to the state portal
• Grant support on approval, released by the state

Who can apply

• Manufacturing MSMEs registered in Tamil Nadu
• Startups registered with DPIIT or StartupTN
• Students and faculty with an innovative idea, who must partner with the centre

How selection works: you send a preliminary proposal to KiC-START, its experts screen it technically, you present the idea, and the centre makes the final submission to the state. Money is released after approval.

How to apply: send the preliminary proposal to the centre. Application guidelines are offered for download on its programme page, and questions go to incubationmanager@kongunadu.ac.in.